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A JUNE POST.

June 2, 2026 52 Comments

All of these roses were bending and ARCHING DOWNWARDS like a DOWNWARD DOG POSITION IN YOGA!I had NO HESITATION to cut them……….I really do not cut my roses in the garden as they LIVE SO MUCH LONGER in nature!

I had NO QUALMS about it and climbed the stairs to the kitchen to make a bouquet for my new area I am trying to clean up off my living room!I found a NUSTEP bicycle to exercise my heart a bit for FREE last week!Amazing when you OPEN YOUR MOUTH and ask a question what can happen!

Isn’t she pretty?

I couldn’t BELIEVE her BARS and TABS were MY FAVORITE COLOR!

CHARTREUSE.It was meant to be.

SHE WILL BE NEEDING A NAME…………ANY IDEAS?

My view while I pedal away…………birds and plants.We have a lot of butterflies and hummingbirds this year which always brings a smile to my face.

This is a similar bike that I use at HEART REHAB.It is the older model.They started me off at TEN MINUTES and now I am doing 17 minutes!Every week I get an increase!Now that I have one at home I can practice.At the moment I am doing TWO different bikes with an ARM MACHINE in between.

I am the only patient that has not had a HEART PROCEDURE RECENTLY.And I’m the only patient that has to sit and rest afterwards as my heart has lots of little things happening like Afib and PCP’s.etc.I would also say I’m the youngest one in the class at 65.

THE BOUNTY ONCE AGAIN!

It’s been three days and still it is a GORGEOUS BUNCH OF BLOOMS!

TO those of you who enjoy TIGRE!

My neighbor sent me this of him lying in the middle of our street with his BESTIE!

Tigre has now graduated to catching mice or BIG LONG TAIL RATS and bringing them in the house to EAT!He leaves that tail and some other body parts that aren’t to his liking as a SOUVENIR of his CATCH!

I was hoping he would have more EXPENSIVE TASTE and leave the food TO ME!

It has taken him TWO YEARS to develop this HOBBY…………

UGH,why can’t he be content stalking with NO CATCHING!

A note from my GRANDDAUGHTER upon her departure last week…………

I sent this to my SON saying does this say what I think it says?

His answer was a FIRM YES!

(It really is the little things that bring BIG JOY!)

Dinner last night was LOBSTER TAILS.

I recently read we do not EAT enough BEANS!SO, this was dinner one night last week.Zucchini flowers stuffed with mozzarella and anchovies and a three bean salad with a dash of leftover potato salad.How many of you have NEVER had a zucchini flower?I would imagine quite a few!Very easy to make with a bit of flour and water; batter and fry after you put in your choice of stuffing!Feta works well too!

Morning!We are getting ready for school!

Note the graceful PAWS of BETTY!

She is always close by and keeps an eye on EVERYONE!

She was a WONDERFUL MOTHER’S DAY GIFT FIVE YEARS AGO.

MY neighbor who just BEAT CANCER at age 80!

Doesn’t she LOOK TERRIFIC?!

She lost all her hair but it’s coming back so no more turbans.

She has always dressed with color and style…………..maybe we need to visit her closet?!!

WE CAN CALL IT DRESSING AT 80 with Elegance and Effortless EASE!

The rain in MAY really helped my hydrangea’s!They have never been so BIG!

I am VERY EXCITED ABOUT THE BLOOMS AND BLOSSOMS.Once again it’s the LITTLE THINGS!

It dawned on me some of you are new here sent by HOMEWORTHY and don’t know anything about me!

I am a CALIFORNIA gal born and raised.Grew up across the Golden Gate Bridge at a time it cost 50 cents to go over and you paid with a coupon!My job was to tear the coupon out!The ticket takers knew you by face and would always have a nice thing to say!

I lived in MILL VALLEY, but our house was on the other side of the 101 highway.It was on the way to TIBURON.We had a VIEW of San Francisco and the BAY plus ALCATRAZ and ANGEL ISLAND TOO!I loved to put on PLAYS in our basement and wrote a magazine about PETS for 25 cents that went up to $1.00 after a bit of time!My father would take to his office and photocopy for me.I loved antiques at an early age but we did not live with them in the house.I think my first collection was old keys and bottles.I still have some of them.I am talking about the time I was probably 8 to 10 years of age.I spent a lot of time with my Mother growing up.

I took BALLET from the wife of Mr. Christensen who ran the SAN FRANCISCO ballet school and company.Then I went on to Marin Civic ballet for years……….at about age 15 I realized I would NEVER MAKE THE BIG TIMES.But I was committed five days a week…………plus rehearsals if there was a recital or the NUTCRACKER was upon us.SO, then my focus changed to FASHION and being a BUYER.Worked in retail through out college and beyond until I met my ITALIAN.We met in 1984 at the young age of 24 in an office full of young girls.He had come from the factory outside FLORENCE, ITALY.We worked for a woman who had the sole distribution for the GUCCI ACCESSORY COLLECTION, which you would see in the specialty stores and better department stores.It was the 1980’s and the designer handbags were very popular.

We married in 1986 in Florence.Had two SONS.Moved to Italy for a few years.(I FELL IN LOVE AGAIN!)Came back to the STATES.Bought a house I HATED,but we could afford.And here we are now almost 66.He is retired. I had a small shop for a few years vintage/antiques.Now, we are home together but I rarely see him as he has ENERGY of a WILD BEAST and is on THE GO! I have NO energy at all.I’m dealing with congestive heart failure and a couple of lung issues.I NEVER smoked.Always ate right since meeting the ITALIAN but have a weakness for SEE’S CHOCOLATE’S,cinnamon rolls gluten free and cookies!I forgot to mention I discovered I was Gluten Free after years of terrible stomach problems.I wrote everything down;I ate and drank and I saw a pattern after a few weeks!

BE YOUR OWN DETECTIVE!

I LOVE ANIMALS AND ALWAYS WANTED A SMALL FARM.High on the list from a very young age was a cow, donkey, sheep, goats and a shetland pony.

This will not happen now.But I did have a PIGGY, dogs and cats and chickens, a few geese and a duck named DONALD!We also had bunnies.

I guess I was always a bit ECCENTRIC.SPOKE MY MIND and had a BIG HEART.Got myself to Europe a few times.Met some WONDERFUL PEOPLE between this BLOG and INSTAGRAM!Drove my husband crazy with my REQUESTS!He has yet to build me MY FOLLY in the yard!Maybe, I shall bring THAT UP for the Birthday that is coming up!

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

A FOLLY or a Farm Animal?

TO COMMENT KEEP SCROLLING DOWNWARDS………….I WILL ANSWER EACH AND EVERYONE!

XXX

YOUR CONTESSA

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  • Lorna
    · Reply

    June 10, 2026 at 10:25 PM

    Hi Elizabeth, your posts are always charming. I really enjoy reading them and I am sorry I am always late to the party. it seems like I never have time to do enjoyable things anymore. Even the little things that bring joy, as you say, seem to be just a distant memory. Your roses are gorgeous. Rain really does help plants bloom. I think Tigre should stick to nice things to eat 🙂
    We have 2 geckos in our yard that always seem to be running after each other. I keep wondering what the relationship between them is 🙂
    Have a wonderful week and sending much love to your gorgeous granddaughter.

    • La Contessa
      · Reply

      Author
      June 11, 2026 at 3:48 PM

      Late is just fine with me!
      Talk about LATE I have your letter sitting here in my living-room reminding me to write you back!
      Tomorrow will be a low key day for me so maybe in the afternoon!I can tell you all about how hungry I was because I will eat first!Today is Thursday and no food allowed as I’m having a colonoscopy tomorrow!!!!
      I think your to young to have had one yet?
      We are having your HOT MALTA WEATHER HERE TODAY!
      Xoxo

  • Hilda
    · Reply

    June 9, 2026 at 2:39 PM

    Hello Elizabeth. I hope the bike helps. At least you have a beautiful view and you are making excellent progress in such a short time. XXX

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      June 10, 2026 at 2:34 PM

      We shall see what happens with this regime!Time will tell in a month or more!
      Betty is very sick today!
      Took her to the vet yesterday so bloodwork comes back soon!
      No MORE SICKNESS!
      Xxx

  • Heidi
    · Reply

    June 7, 2026 at 5:03 PM

    Hi Elizabeth,
    Gosh your garden is gifting you the most spectacular blooms! My hydrangeas are in containers on the side deck and haven’t gotten started blooming yet.I’ll be lucky to get a couple of blossoms. I cut my roses because more will grow that way. I love this time of year!
    I’m glad your neighbor won the battle, good for her. She does look great.
    Fried squash blossoms sound delicious, I’ve never had them and don’t know why! I’ll look for some at the farmers market.
    Keep up the good work, peddle away and get your heart good and strong. Movement keeps us young.
    So much joy at the Pride parade in SC today, I think you would have enjoyed all the colorful ensembles people put together for the day.
    Have a good week,
    Xo Heidi

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      June 10, 2026 at 2:36 PM

      Heidi!
      I’m sure I would have loved the outfits!
      Thanks for always checking in!
      I hope the wedding plans are moving along!You must be so excited!
      Xxx

  • Dee Black
    · Reply

    June 6, 2026 at 6:25 AM

    Ohh what a great blog post. Flowers, granddaughters love letter, all creatures great and small mention, all brought with the most beautiful bouquet of yellow roses. How could anything be more lovely.
    Love where you placed your exercise bike and your description of what you view. There you are again blooming where you were planted. Always making your current situation more tolerable by creating constant beauty around you.
    Downward Dog position my least favorite. But in roses, yes!
    Even though I know your story, the recap is always so fun to hear again. I forget these days more and more.
    Retired husbands that have ants in the pants. Reminds me of those trips with the earnest tour guide with an agenda a rabbit cannot keep up with, exhausting.
    I have the same husband. Lucky for him and me, I’m content at home.
    I love when you share your health journey. It’s very helpful to know we aren’t alone and nice to see how you cope in real time.
    Going to catch up on last blog and posts.
    Wishing you and Betty a good day.

    • La Contessa
      · Reply

      Author
      June 6, 2026 at 1:31 PM

      You are BACK!I was just thinking about You.I am experiencing a new heart issue I have not had in the past!I will text or call!So we have the same HUSBANDS AS FAR AS ENERGY!That made me laugh out-loud!
      Yes happy to share as you know it’s a lot to carry on your own.Also,I have gotten tremendous help through sharing my weird issues!Some people don’t like it and want me to be happy and funny all the time but that’s not the real me!I say what I see and feel and will keep it up as long as I have things to photograph.
      Off to contact you!!
      Tra La
      Xxx

  • ellie's friend
    · Reply

    June 5, 2026 at 8:50 PM

    It’s great you are pedalling! My dr. suggested I get a foot pedalling machine so I can strengthen my calf muscles before I have knee replacements. I bought one (about $35 on amazon) but haven’t started using it yet. there is a tree about to fall on my patio table which is where I’d sit. Once tree cutter has chopped it I’ll then start. The good thing is that it’s like walking but one can use it while sitting down. Since you already have a pedal machine maybe this would be redundant.

    A name for the machine??? Hmmm — here are my suggestions :

    Stella — because you are a star
    Bella/Isabella — because it will make a beautiful heart
    Sheba — meaning promise or oath
    Raffaella — meaning God heals

    It grosses me right out about rat/mice parts left behind. If you are covering it up, do so with something that has a bit of bleach water on it to kill germs. Actually bleach would probably not be good for your lungs. But be careful about rat and mice parts re diseases. We once had a cat who would line up all of his night’s catch on the balcony for my mother’s approval. omg…so gross!

    I love your roses — I’m happy because two of my roses that I planted last year came back but a moose ate part of one recently. We never used to have moose but there is so much development they are losing their habitat.

    I wish i could have roses like yours!

    And a folly! ?? I think I would prefer a gazebo with no roof or a plexiglass roof so I could lie down and look at the stars…A small fountain inside would be nice and cooling. I myself always wanted a pondless waterfall. less maintenance than a pond, water recirculates.

  • Jill James
    · Reply

    June 5, 2026 at 12:39 AM

    Well done on your exercise bike riding , I certainly hope it helps. Looking out at your beautiful garden must make it a more pleasant experience.
    It is a jot to see those beautiful roses as mine are settling down for Winter.
    I can just picture a folly in your garden surrounded by wonderful planting.
    The photo of Tigre and the little one was just delightful .
    I have enjoyed stuffed zucchini blossoms a while ago .
    Take care and continue to find that little bit of magic in the small things.

    • La Contessa
      · Reply

      Author
      June 5, 2026 at 1:32 PM

      Will Do Jill!!
      Xxx

  • Rita
    · Reply

    June 4, 2026 at 8:10 PM

    A joy to see the beautiful roses (and the vase they are in, love it). I notice yellow roses all the time now and want to add some to my garden, I think it comes from seeing you beautiful garden.
    Forza for a name.. as that’s what you will be.
    Stay well.

    • La Contessa
      · Reply

      Author
      June 5, 2026 at 1:31 PM

      Forza!
      I like it!!
      Is this Rita in Chicago?
      Yellow roses are Gorgeous!I have read they mean an end to an AFFAIR!I took that as meaning an end of my affair with Italy once we moved here!!!
      Are you still wearing your red lipsticks?
      Which one became the favorite?
      If I may ask!
      Xxx

      • Rita
        · Reply

        June 6, 2026 at 3:30 AM

        Not from Chicago. It’s Rita in Australia- Melbourne. I’ll have to sign off as Rita Aussie when I leave a comment.

  • Robin
    · Reply

    June 4, 2026 at 12:58 PM

    Hello dear Contessa,
    I love hearing from you, and seeing all your glorious photos!!
    We should schedule a phone call.
    ALL THE BEST TO YOU AND GP;
    Robin

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      June 4, 2026 at 1:34 PM

      CERTO ROBIN!
      I may need your number again!Do you do WHATSAPP?
      Or I can call on the landline!
      Send me an email: iolacontessa@gmail.com
      XXX

  • Diana K
    · Reply

    June 3, 2026 at 10:44 PM

    Oh, goody! I like the challenge to suggest a name and have one which I think is perfect. It’s short and rolls off the tongue, suitably flowery but not too, too. I can imagine you giving “FLORRIE” a pat hello or a nudge of encouragement… easy for the visiting kiddies to say too, don’t you think? May you rack up many happy miles!
    xo Diana

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      June 4, 2026 at 1:32 PM

      “FLORRIE” is ADORABLE!!!!!!!!
      SO, many fun names!Thank YOU for your input!
      I hope to keep on biking!!!
      XXX

  • D.A. Squires
    · Reply

    June 3, 2026 at 8:13 PM

    Always love–and linger–over your posts… so much to take in : ) Your roses are spectacular as a bouquet–so glad you decided to do this–to enjoy indoors! And THAT hydrangea must be a prize winner–I have never seen such a huge flower. Will always miss our hydrangeas, peony garden and lilacs from CT –gardenias by the hundreds (it seems) is my one consolation prize : ) So happy about your new bike and your progress : ) Your determination is so, so inspiring– I have always been amazed at your persistence through so many issues. Your neighbor looks wonderful, what a journey at her age–bravo!! Tigre’s new hobby would drive me crazy!! Yikes, really. I have never had the fried flowers, but know I would love them… so should do that : ) Make it a FOLLY BIRTHDAY!! So much fun to train ivy (and sounds easy peasy) and embellish for holidays : ) A magical spot for times with your granddaughter–how about big enough for a double hanging swing?!
    XOXO Keep pedaling.. a few miles to go to reach Italy : )

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      June 4, 2026 at 1:30 PM

      Debbie,
      I will STOP OFF TO SEE YOU before pedaling across the ATLANTIC.
      I agree it is ENORMOUS my hydrangea!The other flowers do not seem to be as big.
      I don’t think the FOLLY will happen but it’s fun to think about!
      It is JUNE and SUMMER IS COMING!
      HUGS TO YOU!
      XOXO

  • Libby
    · Reply

    June 3, 2026 at 4:49 PM

    Bike naming:
    Glorietta Cruiser
    My Heart throb
    Contessa Distance
    Elizabeth’s Road Runner
    Leaving no tracks
    Glorietta Biker Machine
    No Left Turns

    Hope these give you some ideas

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      June 4, 2026 at 1:24 PM

      LIBBY!
      YOU are HYSTERICAL!LOVE THEM ALL!
      HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!!
      XXX

  • Katherine
    · Reply

    June 3, 2026 at 3:48 PM

    Hi Elizabeth,

    Your yellow roses are beautiful. Hopefully they lift your spirits, especially on the days when you feel a bit blue.

    Your neighbor looks so good. She has been through so much and even her hair is growing back nicely. Be sure to tell her congratulations. All dolled up too.

    Name: White Light. Keep up your joyful spirit. You continue to impress me.

    Your granddaughter is sweet. Children are honest, What you see is what you get. Yes! I love you. That must melt your heart.

    Folly sounds swell to me.

    Congratulations on doing so well in PT. I know you are working very hard. It’s not easy what you are doing. You are a determined soul.
    Nothing stops you from trying your best and moving forward.

    Sending you good vibes and better days ahead.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      June 4, 2026 at 1:22 PM

      HELLO KATHERINE!
      I have enjoyed walking by the roses or pedaling with them!
      Yes, No gray hair only dark which I told her!I think she is pleased!Now to start getting her out a little bit.
      Granddaughter, was so cute in giving me this drawing or note!I will keep it FOREVER!At first I did not realize what it said…………then the BELL went off!
      I have now finished week THREE……………all good so far!
      Except that EKG shows lots of COMMOTION!!My cardiologist is still out of the office……………………….XXX

  • Christine
    · Reply

    June 3, 2026 at 2:04 PM

    Hello,

    Your blog is lovely as usual and always filled with goodies!! Thankyou for the prelude to your life as I’m a newbie too!! Your life seems to have all the thrills someone can only dream of!!
    I think you should name your bike “heart”. It sounds natural for your condition.
    I hope your therapy will make you stronger each day.
    I did a “pixie” haircut 2 weeks ago because of the heat down here in Louisiana and it looks like your neighbors hair. When you battle cancer and lose your hair you realize how unimportant your hair style is compared to your battle of survival.
    I think of you and pray for a good recovery and look forward to your next blog.
    Your MAC friend,
    Christine

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      June 4, 2026 at 1:16 PM

      HELLO GIRLFRIEND!
      YOU must send me a photo of your new haircut!I would LOVE to see it!
      Spoke to LAIFE a couple of weeks ago!
      I like THAT HEART or MAYBE HART?Think I will put all names into a basket and have to draw one OUT!Getting a lot of good ones!
      The recent lung spit test came back fine………..my cough has almost gone.Its been one MONTH TODAY the one I got after going off the meds.
      YOU BE WELL!
      XXX

  • Stephanie D
    · Reply

    June 3, 2026 at 12:08 PM

    The roses are stunning! My favorite yellow roses to grow are Julia Child and Golden Celebration…sadly roses are one of the favorite foods for Japanese beetles which we get every summer here in Colorado, so I have none in my present garden.

    Perhaps you can call your new bike Rosie since she will be residing in the garden!

    I just added a new exercise to my daily walks – I started jumping on a rebounder (mini trampoline)!!
    It is supposed to work every muscle and also benefits the lymphatic system. Too early to say but so far I find it joyful to jump, especially to music. I have a big birthday this year so I’m trying to stay ahead of the curve and keep moving as much as possible…

    Curious…who cleans up the leftover mouse bits in the house? That might be a bridge too far for me!

    Stay well my friend,
    xx
    S.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      June 4, 2026 at 1:11 PM

      Who ever discovers them FIRST!I have been known to put a paper towel over them to deal with LATER in the morning!If they DRY it is easier to pick up!
      I have both of your yellow roses you mentioned.But my photo is not them.
      I wouldn’t be able to do that with the neck ATLAS issue but it does sound FUN!
      LOVE YOUR NAME SUGGESTION!
      SO MANY GOOD ONES COMING MY WAY!
      XXX

  • Sandra Sallin
    · Reply

    June 3, 2026 at 11:58 AM

    The first time I ate squash blossoms in a cooking class in Tuscany with Guiliano Bugealli (sp)Great seeing you exercising. My hats off to your lovely neighbor. Bravo to her. Love the roses. Do you put anything in the water to make them last?

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      June 4, 2026 at 1:06 PM

      NOPE, I donot put anything in the water.They are just dropping today so they have lasted awhile!I never cut them so NO CLUE I think aspirin was once upon a time something to drop in but maybe I’m making that up!
      Well, those FLOWERS you ate would have been DIVINE THAN!
      XXX

  • Judith
    · Reply

    June 3, 2026 at 10:29 AM

    Since your bike is a Nu-Step, I hereby submit the following suggestions for a name:

    Natalie
    Naomi
    Nefertiti
    Norah
    Nadia
    Natasha
    Nirvana
    Nasturtium
    Nadine

    The picture of the child with Tigre is precious! Is your house behind that stone wall?

    I see three different kinds of roses in that bouquet – gorgeous! Like you, I rarely cut any of my flowers.

    Go for the folly, and have the Italian put a small bench in it.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      June 4, 2026 at 1:02 PM

      Judith!
      The Chelsea flower show WINNER DESIGNER………..!!!
      I think its TWO roses of which the names escape me at the moment.
      YES, behind that stone wall is our home.The Italian built that and the pathway!
      Folly would be a turret with a wrap around bench!MY CASTLE TOWER!!!!!!
      Hope that made you laugh!
      XXX

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      June 4, 2026 at 1:03 PM

      LOVE ALL THE NAMES!!!!!!!!!
      THANK YOU!
      XXX

  • Linda Henderson
    · Reply

    June 3, 2026 at 8:42 AM

    Tigre–what a guy! Love seeing him. Made me smile. And I say why not both–a farm animal and a folly. How nice to have a pretty view while you exercise.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      June 4, 2026 at 12:58 PM

      LINDA!
      Good to know you’re a TIGRE FAN!He is a character!
      Right BOTH would be lovely but we aren’t zoned for farm animals!
      The view helps to motivate me!!
      XXX

  • Brenda Coffee
    · Reply

    June 3, 2026 at 8:37 AM

    Regardless of how you’re feeling or the health problems you’re dealing with, you always manage to bring us joy and remind us to find the beauty in the things around us. Your yard and your roses are spectacular, and I’m excited to hear you’re using the bike outside of rehab. Brava, and sending you much love, Brenda

    • La Contessa
      · Reply

      Author
      June 4, 2026 at 12:56 PM

      Bike and trying to walk a bit……….not easy this LIFE I’m living at the moment.
      Hard for me to stand any length of time.I’ll keep at it for awhile!
      Hope you are deep into a new project!
      We need to catch up!
      XXX

  • Kathy in NC
    · Reply

    June 3, 2026 at 8:01 AM

    My Italian mom made stuffed and fried squash blossoms all summer with blossoms from my dad’s garden (I can’t remember what she stuffed them with).
    I did not know that cats EAT mice – yikes!
    My husband and I saw a dietician recently – and her two pieces of advice were (1) eat more beans and (2) eat chia seeds or ground flax seeds daily. We are working on both.
    I hope that your neighbor continues to be well.

    • La Contessa
      · Reply

      Author
      June 3, 2026 at 4:40 PM

      Kathy in NC,
      Are you back home now?Sorry we couldnot meet up but you will be back many times in the coming years!
      I eat Chia seeds EVERY DAY on my yogurt or toast!!Did she say how much?I do about a Tablespoon!
      I’m making tacos so will do a side of black beans tonight!!
      Sounds like you got good advice!
      The chia seeds help me go potty!!!
      Xxx

      • Kathy in NC
        · Reply

        June 5, 2026 at 12:36 AM

        The dietician said be sure to soak chia seeds in a lot of liquid overnight before consuming – or they can be disrupt your digestive system because they draw in a lot of water from your body of they are consumed dry (or something like that). I asked the dietician to chose one for us – either chia or ground flax seeds – and she chose ground fax seeds for us to take cuz no need to soak (2 Tab a day but start off with 1 Tab/day). My husband stirs 1 Tab ground fax seed in his morning glass of tomato juice. I stir 1 Tab in my yogurt.

  • Donna O'Klock
    · Reply

    June 3, 2026 at 7:11 AM

    Yes, your friend is gorgeous and chic. Bravo to her… I love her hair right now, it too is trés chic. And your yellow roses! I’m imagining what they must smell like. Heavenly!
    Love your new bike – I’m so glad you’re exercising, I know how difficult it is to get started, but it really will make you stronger, (really helped my CHF) good for you!
    I vote for the folly, Elizabeth! Much less maintenance than a farm animal. I love the idea of a cozy nook in your gardens, wish I could have one… not allowed by our HOA, so – ordered curtains for back porch and will try to create a nook out there.
    You’re always inspirational!

    • La Contessa
      · Reply

      Author
      June 3, 2026 at 4:34 PM

      Donna!
      So you have done this heart rehab program?Did I know you have CHF?
      I don’t think so!
      I LOVE MY CURTAINS!Boy was that a discussion to get them hung but he did it!!Now if he would remove the wood pile and pizza tools I would be THRILLED!!!Baby steps.
      Send photos once you finish!!
      PLEASE!
      Xxx

  • Daron Baylis-Duffield
    · Reply

    June 3, 2026 at 6:00 AM

    A folly just imagine the glorious plants you’ve planted in and around it and how it will enhance your beautiful garden.

    • La Contessa
      · Reply

      Author
      June 3, 2026 at 4:17 PM

      So happy to hear from YOU!
      Daron,how are you?
      I even have a photo from a magazine that I want him to copy!It’s a turret/ tower with an archway!A few steps up take you to the top for seating.A place to enjoy a glass of wine and gaze back on the garden and home we created!
      Now the question is will I have the energy to get there?Ivy grows on that hill so in no time it too will be covered!
      What do you think?Can you picture the vision?
      Thank You for letting me know you are still out there reading!
      Made my Day!
      Xxx

  • Janey
    · Reply

    June 3, 2026 at 5:16 AM

    I hope you have a tarp to protect your bike from the rain. You could call her sweaty Betty cause that is what will happen. Or Winnie because you will win by using it. Best I could do.
    Your granddaughter is precious and I like your neighbors style…
    Keep posting Elizabeth. I am caring from a terminally ill husband and you always make me smile…Janey

    • La Contessa
      · Reply

      Author
      June 3, 2026 at 4:10 PM

      Oh Janey!
      So sorry to hear your hubby is ill.That is a lot to cope with.If I can make you SMILE I will continue to Post!I was just out front with The Italian as we purchased two more roses.I told him where his reply was NO!I told him I’m the decor DAME and he is the Laborer!
      As we continued this back and fourth I got him to laugh by saying your up for ADOPTION!!!
      I will be thinking of you and hope you can adore each other through this hard hard time.
      A big hug from me to you.
      Xxx

  • Gray
    · Reply

    June 3, 2026 at 5:14 AM

    Always a breath of fresh air!! Pedal away! ??

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      June 3, 2026 at 2:01 PM

      Today I did 20 minutes on each bike!
      PEDALING…………too ITALY!!!!
      SO, we can meet up!!
      XXX

  • Kimberly Frick
    · Reply

    June 3, 2026 at 4:51 AM

    I love following you and even with all the setbacks you have endured you find joy in the little things, that aren’t actually little but amazing and important in our day to day lives. I say folly as you won’t have to extend as much energy as with a farm animal. Sending love always to you dear sweet Elizabeth. Stay well.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      June 3, 2026 at 2:00 PM

      YES!
      That would be the ideal I think……………..
      I will start working on that TONIGHT!
      THANK YOU!!Hope you are doing well.
      XXX

  • Leslie
    · Reply

    June 2, 2026 at 4:21 PM

    Gorgeous roses and a lush garden view from your new bike…
    I cannot think of a great name for her…I will be keen to read what names are suggested.

    You are told to pedal I am advised to walk…(I also have exercises)
    we’ll both be fitter and stronger soon.

    Always fun to read stories about your past…imagine tickets for the GG bridge and paper ones at that!
    In France we paid to use the fast highways…(toll booths were automated) often long line ups.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      June 3, 2026 at 1:58 PM

      Hello Leslie,
      I need to walk too but its hard for me even standing is TUFF!
      Yes, I remember FRANCE and ITALY with the toll booths!There was no traffic or very little back in the 1960’s and 70’s going into the city.Of course all the toll booths were OPEN back then not like now where there are three open instead of the ten existing!Not that many but you know what I mean.
      A NAME WILL HAPPEN it may take awhile!
      Thank YOU!
      XXX

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